American Kickboxing

What is American Kickboxing?

American Kickboxing, also known as Full-Contact Kickboxing or Western Kickboxing, is a combat sport that originated in the United States in the early 1970s. It combines elements of traditional karate with Western boxing. Here are some key characteristics of American Kickboxing:

1. Techniques: American Kickboxing primarily uses punches and kicks. Unlike Muay Thai or Dutch Kickboxing, it typically does not include elbow and knee strikes. The techniques are often borrowed from karate and taekwondo for kicks, and from Western boxing for punches.
2. Rules and Regulations: American Kickboxing matches are usually held in a boxing ring. Fighters wear gloves, mouthguards, and often shin guards and foot pads. The rules generally prohibit strikes below the waist, and there is an emphasis on high kicks and punches.
3. Stance and Movement: Fighters often adopt a stance that allows for both effective kicking and punching. Movement is crucial, with an emphasis on footwork, angles, and maintaining distance to set up strikes.
4. Training: Training in American Kickboxing includes a mix of bag work, pad work, sparring, and conditioning exercises. Fighters practice combinations of punches and kicks, focusing on speed, power, and precision.
5. Competition: Matches are typically scored based on the number of clean, effective strikes landed. Knockouts and technical knockouts are also common ways to win a match. The sport has various weight classes and is governed by different organizations, each with its own specific rules.
6. Evolution and Influence: American Kickboxing has evolved over the years and has influenced other combat sports, including mixed martial arts (MMA). Many MMA fighters incorporate techniques from American Kickboxing into their striking repertoire.
7. Notable Fighters: Some well-known American Kickboxers include Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, and Don "The Dragon" Wilson. These fighters helped popularize the sport in its early days and contributed to its development.

American Kickboxing has gained popularity for its dynamic and entertaining style, making it a staple in the world of combat sports. It continues to be practiced both as a competitive sport and as a form of fitness and self-defense.

Related Article: Kickboxing: The Dynamic Combat Sport that Combines Kicks and Punches